Massage Therapy for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Do you have Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)? The Massage for Health Clinic has registered massage therapists who can provide you with massage therapy to specifically help with your TOS.

The name Thoracic Outlet Syndrome derives from the thoracic outlet between your collarbone and the outside of your front neck muscle. It is a narrow passageway containing the main artery, vein and nerve supply to your arm. TOS occurs when there is an injury, compression/irritation of the nerves and/or blood vessels in the Thoracic Outlet.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) will present various symptoms, some examples may be:

Hand weakness

Neck, shoulder, hand, arm pain

Sensitivity to cold

Decreased circulation to arm/hand/fingers

Hand numbness

Swelling in hands

Increased pain with activity

Overhead activities difficult

Motor weakness

There are many possible causes of TOS. Let’s highlight a few of the more common causes:

symptoms resulting from physical trauma from a car accident

occupations that require repetitive motions

Pregnancy

Born with an extra rib

Nerve compression caused by poor posture

Repetitive sports

Stress

Sleep disorders

Poor muscular development

Obesity

A registered massage therapist can provide you with specific care that will help relieve your TOS. A massage can focus on techniques to target the discomfort in your chest, neck or shoulders. Trigger points and other specific massage techniques can be given to relieve some referred and localized pain. It has been noted that TOS is sometimes thought to be carpal tunnel syndrome. It is important to have a proper assessment to ensure there is not unnecessary treatment given.

Together you and your registered massage therapist can chat about your daily activities, symptoms and treatment. You will be in good, safe hands with a massage specifically delivered to relieve pressure off your nerves and veins that can be causing your symptoms.